ST. JOHNS CHECK STAMPED

Background

The defining factor in the St. Johns series is the temper.

The temper in this type is diatomaceous earth.

The diatomaceous earth occurs along the St. Johns River and is in the clay naturally.

Sorting Criteria

Check stamping on diatomaceous earth-tempered pottery.

This type tends to have a chalk-like feel to its surface.

The most common vessel form is the large bowl, eccentric vessels such as bowls with conoidial bottoms also occur.

The sides of the vessels are often straight and out flaring.

Chronological Range

Woodland, maybe into the Early Mississippian St. Johns II period, gradually decreasing in frequency.

Geographical Range

In Georgia this type occurs on the Georgia Coast, around Valdosta, and in the Okefenokee Swamp.

References

Griffin 1945.

Willey 1949:445-446.

Ferguson 1951:27-28.

Goggin 1952:103-104.